Swakopmund

The picturesque town of Swakopmund is Namibia's main seaside resort. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean coast, the town looks more like a Bavarian village that has been uplifted and dropped here between the sea and the desert. The town has a calming atmosphere with wide avenues lined with palm trees and colourful well tended gardens. Much of the architecture in this charming small town dates back to the 1920s and the art nouveau style is very evident. There are street cafs and restaurants reminiscent of continental Europe.

Swakopmund's tannery is famous for its kudu leather shoes and is open to visitors. The local brewery produces some of the finest beers on the African continent. To the north of the town is a 200 kilometre stretch of coast that extends 25 kms inland and is known as the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area - be advised to use a 4 x 4 if you wish to go into this area. The beach in Swakopmund offers some excellent rock and surf fishing.